Costa Marching Band and Color Guard take first place at Regional Championships

SUCCESSFUL COMPETITION: Mira Costa Marching Band and Colorguard place first in the 2021 Western Band Association regional championship. This marks the highest score the band has attained in their past competitions. Photo courtesy of @miracostahs

By McLean Grimes

Staff Writer

Costa’s Marching Band and Color Guard won first place at the Western Band Association’s (WBA) Regional Championship on Nov. 13.

Its show, Monster Mashup, was a hit with the judges and included songs “Thriller” and “Dead Man’s Party.” It competed against six other teams from Southern California.

“I couldn’t be prouder of our band’s progress throughout the season,” senior co-hornline captain Sophie Bauer said. “Starting off was difficult having just come out of COVID, but through teamwork and dedication, we were able to win the WBA regional championships with a record score.”

This was a major win as it was the first regional championship win and the highest score achieved for marching band in the program’s history.

“We started out strong and, by the second competition, we achieved the highest score ever received by a Costa band,” junior drum major Jack Tran said. “No individual could have won this, only a true team could.”

Along with the first place title, the band also won the High Music and High Effect awards. These are awarded by judges who evaluate the musicality and entertainment of the musicians on an individual and ensemble basis.

“I am extremely proud of the efforts that each individual has put into this program [and]I truly believe our success is due to the focus and drive each individual has had from day one,” senior co-hornline captain Max Simpson said. “I couldn’t be happier with the results, as I know that we all as a collective strived towards greatness, and I am content knowing that our hard work showed tremendous results.”